Two films we're showing that have a definite Asian flavor... 'LION DANCE' and 'MANDARIN GARDEN'...

The Film: LION DANCE is a romantic visual poem set during a traditional Asian parade in which a highly acrobatic dance is performed to bring good luck. It explores the theme of serendipity using a combination of CG, 2D animation techniques, and a soundtrack to express the rhythmic and pulsating emotion and actions of the characters. LION DANCE is the MFA thesis film of Zheng Kang and Tim Pattinson, USC School of Cinematic Arts class of 2016.

The Directors: TIM PATTINSON is a British-born professional designer, working in the animation industry. Based in Los Angeles, Tim has many years of award-winning commercial design and art direction leading global teams on global projects. Tim holds an MFA in Animation and Digital Arts from John C Hench Division of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, class of 2016. Tim’s personal and professional works are heavily influenced by contemporary Western and Asian TV animation and cinema. His portfolio reflects his own sensibilities and beliefs in the importance of diversity, inclusion and collaboration within art and storytelling.ZHENG KANG is a Chinese-born professional designer, working in the animation industry. Based in Los Angeles, Zheng’s experience encompasses award-winning industrial, graphic and animation design direction. Zheng holds an MFA in Animation and Digital Arts from John C Hench Division of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, class of 2016. Zheng’s creative vision and highly-stylized commercial sensibilities can be seen throughout his personal and professional works, which are grounded in solid draftsmanship and peppered with his own humor and subjects of interest such as K-pop and fashion. His approach is diversely collaborative, forming the open-minded and optimistic essence of Zheng’s storytelling portfolio.

The Film: THE MANDARIN GARDEN. A pig turns into a girl in its sleep. The girl experiences a magical journey within a Chinese garden, accompanied by atmospheric music.